ASK THE EXPERTS

I have for many years been mystified by the practice of giving the size of a vehicle's wheels in inches, while the remainder of a vehicle's vital statistics ��� power, torque, dimensions, consumption, CO2 emissions etc, are correctly given in metric. It's ridiculous that after so many years of decimalisation and metrification that publications persist with this. Do you have any explanation of why that situation should be allowed to persist in the motor trade and its press? Toby Hagon, in his road test of the Mercedes-Benz CL63, writes in the same sentence of "massive 20-inch wheels ��� and tyres as wide as 275 millimetres at the rear". How crazy is that?

Hot laps with motor sport heavyweights

Stephen Ottley is a white-knuckled passenger in a fast and furious race concept.

Dream deal too good to pass up

THE most difficult thing to get your head around may be the belief that if something appears too good to be true, it probably is.

Dust flies on licensing

THE NSW Minerals Council has rejected claims that the introduction of load-based licensing at Upper Hunter mine sites would reduce dust pollution.

top five

SINGLES 1. On The Floor - Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull

Crime body powers go under the microscope

THE way the secretive NSW Crime Commission uses its powers will be examined as part of a review by the state government to ensure appropriate "checks and balances" are in place.

Morris Minor memory

I'VE stood looking blankly into the engine bay of a great many cars, and almost always they've been very old cars, so I can't explain my confusion when I looked into the engine bay of a Morris Minor at the weekend.

Dissent on school funding model

ACT Liberal senator Gary Humphries has broken ranks with his Coalition colleagues to argue for changes to the controversial school funding model introduced by the Howard government.

Dissent in Coalition on school funding model

ACT Liberal senator Gary Humphries has broken ranks with his Coalition colleagues to argue for changes to the controversial school funding model introduced by the Howard government.

Budget black hole could tie new Premier's hands

THE $800 million deterioration in the state's finances disclosed yesterday by NSW Treasury to the incoming state government has cast a cloud over the financial flexibility of the O'Farrell government in its early years.

Funding model unsatisfactory, says Lib senator

THE Liberal senator Gary Humphries has broken ranks with his colleagues to argue for changes to the controversial school funding model the Howard government introduced in 2001.

Blood ties tested by time on the inside

THE BROTHERS SIZE Stables Theatre, March 24 Until April 16 Reviewed by Jason Blake

Rehearsals starting for Love Never Dies

Rehersals starting for Love never dies

Science opportunity at Knox

Knox Grammar School is a leading Australian day and boarding school for boys, located in Sydney. Knox, a Uniting Church school for boys from Kindergarten to Year 12, aims to develop, within a caring environment, young men of integrity, wisdom, compassion and faith.

Abbott declares carbon tax 'toxic'

OPPOSITION Leader Tony Abbott has refused to back away from his assertion that some of the claims about climate change are "absolute crap" while contending the NSW election result shows "carbon tax is toxic."

Hot Button

Last week's guest, Danny Schwarz ��� chief executive of Youth Connect ��� argued that we were limiting the options of our children by failing to insist on vocational training in schools. The following are excerpts from his live chat session.

movies

Unknown World Sounds of Sand

The walk-in pantry

The preparation room is making a comeback, reports Gina Morris.

Watching Lotus flower

Martin Boulton joins a Lotus team minus a hurt Robert Kubica in the lead-up to today's race.

Young and restless

A startling array of gigs, workshops and activities will fill Youth Week 2011, writes Wendy Preston.